Emily Clark

Emily Clark

Emily Clark, MA, LPCC-S (she/her/hers) has worked in the mental health field for over 12 years with adults, teens, adolescents, couples, and families. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from the nationally ranked Ohio State University Counselor Education program. Emily has worked extensively with LGBTQ persons, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming clients. She co-wrote a grant that originated the counseling programming at Stonewall Columbus and, while at Stonewall, she created and ran multiple transgender therapy groups for the community. Emily has experience presenting on LGBTQ topics including LGBTQ addiction, feeling empowered in therapeutic relationships, and removing barriers from transgender clients seeking medical transition. She currently owns a private practice that specializes in working with transgender and gender nonconforming clients of all ages.

Presentation Description:With increased transgender visibility in media, availability of and access to resources for care, and improved understanding of gender and sexuality, more transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) clients are showing up in counselors’ offices. While many clinicians are building a basic competency in working with the TGNC population, training does not often go beyond Transgender 101. This presentation aims to explore a broader understanding of TGNC clients and the more nuanced experiences they may encounter in regard to their gender identity and their bodies. The session intends to challenge popular narratives and tropes about a singular transgender experience to broaden clinical understanding of how to facilitate radical acceptance of TGNC bodies in a therapeutic setting. Best practices from the WPATH Standards of Care, a review of current literature, and case studies will be shared. Participants will engage in an interactive presentation that will include self-reflection and grounding techniques to utilize when working with clients. The presentation will also teach movement exercises for exploring the body in transition and increasing embodiment, in which participants are encouraged to participate. Attendees will also take home guided strategies for navigating the potential paradox of TGNC bodies.

Objectives:1. To inform counselors about current trends and concerns impacting our transgender and gender nonconforming clients including shame, trauma, and internalized transphobia.
2. To explore the paradox of radically accepting transgender and gender nonconforming bodies as they are, while acknowledging current or desired transitions.
3. To teach embodied mindful practices to be utilized when working with transgender and gender nonconforming clients.